The practice of trial by jury has a long history in Hong Kong. Like most jurisdictions with jury trial, this tradition was introduced into Hong Kong when it became a British colony. The Ordinance for the Regulation of Jurors and Juries was first enacted in 1845. Ever since then, the practice of trial by jury has been important part of Hong Kong’s judicial system. This is also recognised in the Basic Law, Article 86: "The principle of trial by jury previously practised in Hong Kong shall be maintained." Criteria for service as a juror Section 4 of the Jury Ordinance provides the criteria for service as a juror. must be a Hong Kong resident aged 21 to 65 of good character sound mind not afflicted by blindness, deafness or other disability preventing from serving as a juror has a sufficient knowledge of the language in which the proceedings are to be conducted Legal duty to serve as a juror Consequences for failing to discharge jury duty The Jury Ordinance also places a legal duty for those who are qualified under the prescribed criteria to serve as jurors. Those who fail to serve as jurors in a court proceeding without approval may face charges of contempt of court. In 2007, a juror was found guilty of contempt of court and sent to jail for three weeks for faking incapacity. In addition, under Section 32 of the Jury Ordinance, it is an offence for those who fail to attend in response to a summons to juror. Protection In order to protect jurors from unfavourable employment consequences, Section 33 of the Jury Ordinance forbids employers from discriminating against any of their employees who has served or is serving as juror in any court proceedings. Any person who contravenes Section 33 is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of $25,000 and to imprisonment for 3 months. Exemptions Anyone in any one of the following categories is exempt from serving as a juror. judges, registrars, barristers and solicitors justices of the peace public servants from the disciplined services full-time students certain categories of religious ministers newspaper editors and staff doctors, dentists and veterinary surgeons those who have received approval of exemption from the Registrar or the judge The precise list of exemption categories is provided in Section 5 of the Jury Ordinance. Compensation Once selected to serve as a member of the